What is the Cause of ASD?

The cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Pervasive Developmental Disorders (ICD-10), is not attributed to a single factor. Any factor that can cause defects in the structure and function of the brain may result in it. The disorder is complex, with varying severity and diverse symptoms. There is no known single cause. It could be different for different people. This makes it challenging to find out the exact set of reasons.

Genetic factors and environmental factors may play a role. A single gene or one environmental factor is not likely responsible. It is often a result of a combination of factors. Vaccines neither cure nor cause it. There is no cure for the condition. It may only be alleviated using therapies.

A Brief Overview

ASD is a blanket term. It includes Autism, Pervasive Development Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.

It is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by:

• Poor linguistic and communication skills 
• Impaired social interactions, 
• Limited perception, 
• Repetitive behavioral patterns 
• Reduced sensory and motor coordination.

We call it a ‘spectrum’ because the severity in symptomatic autistic people may vary from mild to severe. You may also hear the term Asperger’s syndrome, which is only a milder version in the spectrum. A cure for this disability does not exist. But early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in making a huge difference in the affected person’s life. Some exercises may help ease their frustrations.

There are five subtypes of the disorder. Boys may be more prone to the condition than girls. In India, 1 in 100 children below the age of 10 has this disability. Autistic children usually come to the attention of doctors when diagnosed with related mental conditions like depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety, Tourette’s syndrome, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The diagnosis of this medical condition involves multiple screenings, in-depth behavioral evaluations, and genetic tests.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

You may begin to notice abnormalities in early childhood within the first year. Some children may show signs of autism only after a year and a half. In either case, they might experience challenges associated with proper societal functioning. They may also face mockery and ill-treatment. The symptoms depend on the severity.

The affected person may:

• Have impaired reciprocal social interactions, such as reduced eye contact
• Have difficulties in focusing and learning
• Not respond to their name and hold a conversation
• Act reserved or aggressive 
• Resort to repetitive behavioral patterns that could, at times, inflict self-harm 
• Lack the ability to emote, express, and speak in a normal tone
• Have seizures 
• Have unusual sleeping patterns

Social Problems

The condition can also cause social problems. These might make it difficult for the individual to:

• Develop social skills
• Indulge with people and assimilate into the society
• Maintain healthy relationships
• Understand simple directions
• Point at things 
• Approach a social setting appropriately
• Their behavior can make them prone to bullying. Some may act withdrawn or hyperactive, leading to alienation from others

Specific Behaviors

The affected individual might exhibit specific behaviors, such as:

• Repetitive behavioral patterns 
• Inability to articulate words and communicate 
• Aggressive disposition
• Withdrawn demeanor
• Reduced eye contact

Also Read

Potential Causes

There is no known singular cause. The causes of ASD can depend on a range of factors acting together. Some factors that may put one at a greater risk involve:

Environmental

Sometimes, genetic anomalies coupled with environmental risk factors can trigger the condition in children. For instance, a fetus with a few faulty genes may develop the disorder when exposed to certain pollutants or chemicals in the womb. Exposure to drugs such as Valproic acid and Thalidomide administered to the mother during pregnancy, viral infections, stress, and complications during birth may also contribute to the condition. However, more corroborative studies are needed to confirm this.
Additionally, you may also find some biological factors such as anatomical deformities in the cerebellum, low birth weight, and larger grey matter in some lobes resulting in the disorder.

Genetic

Genetics plays a more significant role than environmental factors. The fact that it runs in some families is evidence of this. A second child is 10% more prone to have the condition if the first sibling is autistic. You will find a high likelihood of the disease in children already suffering from other genetic disorders such as Fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Tuberous Sclerosis.

Researchers have identified faults in some genes such as ARID1B, CHD2, CHD8, POGZ, SHANK3, and SYNGAP1 linked to the disability. These genes are responsible for brain development, the vitality of nerve cells, and wiring and communication within the brain. The errors in these genes may be inherited, and it is unlikely for a single gene to cause the condition. Combining these faulty genes increases the chances and determines the severity and susceptibility.

Risk Factors

You cannot avoid genetic risk factors. But you can prevent environmental risk factors like drugs, pollutants, and viruses. During pregnancy, they play a greater role in increasing the possibility of developing the disorder in children. Premature babies and those born to older parents are at an increased risk. According to a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, women with gestational diabetes are more prone to have babies with this disability.

Women with the following ailments during pregnancy also have a renewed risk of having children with the disorder. These ailments include:

• High BP 
• Excessive bleeding during pregnancy 
• Maternal malnutrition
• Autoimmune disorders
• Antidepressant reliance

When Should You Seek Treatment?

This disorder might deprive you and your child of developmental milestones. You must consult the doctor if you grow suspicious of your child’s linguistic skills and have concerns regarding their cognitive capabilities. It helps to seek a doctor that is a child neurologist, child psychologist, and developmental pediatrician. Generally, signs may start to show within two years. Early diagnosis and intervention are always the best options.

You must seek treatment if your child does not:

• Smile or respond to its name by 6 months
• Make sounds and faces by 9 months
• Try to babble by 12 months
• Respond to common gestures like pointing or waving by 12 months
• Speak some words by 16 months
• Speak short sentences within 24 months
• Make eye contact

Seek Counselling from a Trusted Provider on Docvita Today

Although there is no cure for this condition, there are treatments available to help your child manage the symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention are the best courses of action. These can enhance a child’s behavior, abilities, and language growth. Intervention, however, is beneficial at any age. Although symptoms of autism spectrum condition typically do not go away, your child might learn to function successfully.

If your child is struggling, consult a trusted psychiatrist or psychologist. DocVita has experienced experts and specialists from both fields. They can help your loved one address the problem and lead as normal a life as possible. All you have to do is visit DocVita’s book a therapist page to schedule your session today.